Buda council approves East Side Park master-plan concept after public input

The Buda City Council voted Feb. 3 to approve a concept-level East Side Park master plan and authorized staff to finalize the master plan, following a staff presentation and extended council discussion on public engagement, phasing and cost.

City presenter Austin Masrile summarized outreach that included in-person events and virtual open houses; Masrile said turnout increased after additional events from single-digit participation to more than 100 at a Halloween open house and 94 virtual responses in December. The final concept combines elements of two initial designs and includes a southeast community center (about 4,500 sq. ft.), passive ponds, a pump track, disc golf, trails and a public-art plaza.

Council members stressed starting with low-cost, high-use items and preserving flexibility for the future. "Disc golf is a lower-cost option that can activate the property quickly," Mayor Pro Tem Turi said, urging early activation with trailheads and limited parking prior to large building investments. Council member Davidson said she favored a modest initial approach that focuses on an entrance and parking so residents can use trails and facilities as funding allows.

Presenter Masrile said the concept is a planning document, not a construction authorization, and that phasing, detailed cost estimates and additional public feedback will guide implementation. The council's approval moves the plan forward to finalize the master-plan document and to subsequent steps such as engineering, phasing decisions and budget discussions.